Ginger "Cissy" Leanne Etheridge

Cissy, as she was affectionately known by family and friends, was born on July 10, 1970, in Greenville, Mississippi, to parents Betty Meredith and Bobby Etheridge, who both preceded her in death. She spent most of her childhood in Mississippi before moving to Texas for her high school years, graduating from Jersey Village High School in 1989.

A lifelong learner, Cissy pursued every academic and personal goal with determination and excellence. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Southern Mississippi and later completed her Master’s Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Arkansas State University. Her love of learning shaped every area of her life and prepared her for the many people she would go on to help.

Shortly after completing graduate school, Cissy moved to Nashville, where she lived for nearly three decades. She came not only to begin her professional career but also to pursue her love of music. On many Friday or Saturday nights, you could find her strumming her guitar and singing original songs in coffee shops around the city. Over time, she developed a faithful group of supporters made up of friends and family who cherished her talent and creativity.

Soon after arriving in Nashville, Cissy formed deep and lasting friendships through Christ Church, where she met Amanda, Kiran, Falguni, and Frances—friends who became family and remained by her side until the very end. Her love for music continued throughout her life, and she joined a church music group called The Standard, led by Maurice Carter of Christ Church.

Cissy’s professional calling was rooted in her passion for helping others reach their full potential. She served youth through Youth Villages, counseled young girls at Mercy Multiplied, and ultimately found her heart’s home in school counseling. For the past five years, she faithfully served as a counselor at Cole Elementary School. To her, counseling was both a calling and a ministry. She supported Pre-K, kindergarten, second-, third-, and fifth-grade students—instilling responsibility, resilience, compassion, and confidence in every child she guided. Cissy was a valued member of the school leadership team, holding key roles within the counseling department where her dedication, wisdom, and warmth touched countless lives.

Cissy was preceded in death by her mother, Betty Meredith; father, Bobby Etheridge; maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Bill Meredith; and paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Murray Etheridge. She is survived by her brother, Bobby “Bud” Lamar Etheridge, his wife Tracy, and their children Meredith and Brett; her brother, Jason Walker, his wife Crista, and their children Ian, Landon, and Kaitlyn; as well as bonus nieces Amyah Dean, Brooklyn Dean, and Nicole Dean. She leaves behind extended family, dear friends, beloved students, and a community forever changed by her kindness.

Her greatest accomplishment, however, was accepting Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at a young age. Above all else, Cissy radiated the love of Christ. She loved the Lord with all her heart, and everyone who encountered her felt that love through her kindness, encouragement, and gentle spirit. Her deepest desire was for her loved ones and family to flourish in their relationship with Christ.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Cole Elementary in honor of Ginger “Cissy” Etheridge, continuing her legacy of caring for the children and families she served so faithfully.

Please send donations to:

Venmo: @Shauntelle-Woods

Meno: In memory of Ginger "Cissy" Etheridge